How Michael Vick’s Surprising Transfer Could Revolutionize Norfolk State’s Defense Overnight
Just when you thought the Spring Football season had closed its locker room doors, Michael Vick is busy turning the offseason into a full-on recruitment frenzy at Norfolk State. Picture this: Vick, stepping into his coaching debut this Fall, playing chess in the transfer portal while others are just dusting off their cleats. Adding safety Tyler Jones and linebacker Kendric Nowling may seem like standard fare, but with these two, the Spartans might just be tossing the defensive playbook right in the mix—and hoping it’s a game changer. Nowling isn’t your typical pickup; his knack for smashing tackles and scoring a lightning-fast touchdown at Eastern Michigan? That’s not just highlight reel material—it’s a statement. Meanwhile, Jones, with his sharp instincts from Northern Arizona and a fortified background at Mt. San Antonio College, brings a palpable energy that Vick clearly believes will elevate this Spartan defense. So here’s the real question: Can Vick’s flurry of transfers and savvy signings be the secret sauce that catapults Norfolk State into meaningful contention in a MEAC where toughness ain’t just encouraged—it’s demanded? I’m leaning in, because this story’s shaping up to be more than just roster tweaks—it’s about a coach who’s not waiting for the whistle, but rewriting the play before the snap.
Even as the Spring Football season has ended, Michael Vick is still working to strengthen his Norfolk State squad ahead of his coaching debut in the Fall. In a play to strengthen the Spartan defense, Vick and Norfolk State have signed safety Tyler Jones and linebacker Kendric Nowling.
Nowling joins Norfolk State after a standout career at Eastern Michigan, where he was a key contributor to the Eagles. As a redshirt senior, he played in 10 games last season, totaling 12 tackles, including a season-high three solo stops against Saint Francis. He also made a big impact on special teams, scoring his first career touchdown in 2023 by returning an onside kick 44 yards for a score against Kent State. The play, which took just six seconds, became the fastest touchdown to open a game in Eastern Michigan’s history.
Jones arrives at Norfolk State following a season at Northern Arizona, where he appeared in all 13 games and tallied eight tackles, including an assisted tackle for loss. Before Northern Arizona, Jones played at Mt. San Antonio College, where he made an immediate impact as a true freshman. In 2023, he recorded 21 tackles, three interceptions, and even scored a defensive touchdown in 10 games.
Both Nowing and Jones are key additions to a defense that already featured firepower that Vick hopes can turn the Spartans into instant contenders in a conference that prides itself on a rough and rugged style of play. Norfolk State also had a significant signing day class, The 30-member class includes several transfers, with five coming from rival HBCU Hampton University and several hailing from Virginia.
Norfolk State also added talent from other HBCU football programs, with 11 players in the class being former HBCU athletes. Vick’s signing class only has 11 high school recruits, showing that Vick looks to compete quickly in a competitive MEAC that boasts programs such as conference champion South Carolina State.
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